Preview: Acorn Antiques, Park View Theatre Complex, until Saturday

DRYBURN Theatrical Workshop is staging the North Eastern amateur première of Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques the Musical from today.

The show, being performed at Park View Theatre Complex, Chester le Street, is an all-singing, all-dancing and fully overalled stage version of the hit TV series.

It tells the tale of two amiable sisters, Miss Babs and Miss Berta, who run Acorn Antiques in Manchesterford, aided and amused by their friends, including Mr Clifford and their cleaner, Mrs Overall.

Soon they discover a devious third sister, Miss Bonnie, who intends to convert their business into a coffee chain shop, but as the plot unfolds, all three sisters are faced with family secrets, life-changing acting and high-spirited musical numbers.

Regarding the show, Victoria Wood said: “I’m so happy that Acorn Antiques the Musical is getting another outing.

“I hope you all enjoy this simple tale of corporate greed, amnesia and macaroons.

“Although I never played my original part, Miss Berta, on stage, I did do two shows a week as Mrs Overall in the original West End production, when Julie Walters found herself having to go to bingo.

“And it was very lovely to don the pinny and the marigolds, even for so brief a time.

“When I heard that Miss Babs and Miss Berta were coming back to tread the boards, I could do no more than echo Mrs Overall’s famous remark, ‘Ooh I am pleased!’.”

North East comedian Brendan Healy will make a special guest video appearance as the sisters’ father.